Google unveils Fitbit Edge: a health-packed smart tracker with a replaceable battery

Google has officially unveiled its latest smart tracker, the Fitbit Edge, designed with a host of health features and a replaceable battery. After first teasing the device on the company's social media accounts, Google made the official announcement. The product does not include every feature of the Pixel Watch, but it is an advance over the Fitbit Air, featuring a slim design and a minimalist OLED display. Like the Pixel Watch, the Fitbit Edge also allows users to access the "Google Health Coach" service, which is built using Gemini AI. However, the service is available only to those with a Google Health Premium subscription. The feature gathers the user's fitness, health and medical information and puts together weekly exercise routines and plans that adapt automatically to the individual's schedule. The device is capable of tracking more than 50 exercise modes, and it delivers real-time visual prompts encouraging the user to work out more or to rest. Google says the accuracy of the built-in GPS tracking has been improved by 40 percent compared with previous models. The product will be available in five different designs. With new, quickly swappable clock faces, the Fitbit Edge offers the ability to customise complications so that the information a user values most - such as step count, sleep score and weather data - can be seen easily. Google's "Health Guardian" feature is also included to detect major changes in health metrics such as blood pressure and insulin resistance. Combined with continuous heart rate monitoring and rhythm assessment through the ECG app, the device sends an immediate alert if the heart rate rises or falls to dangerous levels. On sleep metrics, Google says the accuracy of detecting sleep stages has been improved by 15 percent over previous models, which will make sleep insights and coaching assessments more complete. The health tracker can be used all day after a five-minute charge, while its 65 mAh battery can be fully charged within 90 minutes and used for a whole week. In addition to an IP68 water-resistance rating, Google has designed the Fitbit Edge with a replaceable battery so that the device can be used for more days. The Fitbit Edge can now be pre-ordered through the Google Store for 179.99 US dollars, and will be available in stores from October 27. Google's new product will come in Obsidian, Fog, Olive and Canyon colours. A "Stephen Curry Special Edition" will also be available for 219.99 dollars, featuring a basketball team clock face, a gold colour, and a water-resistant, sweat-wicking band. Among the standard bands are the "Active Sport" band, which is safe for running; the "Performance Loop" band, for comfortable all-day wear; and the "Metal Links" and "Magnet" bands, which have a complete finish. With every Fitbit Edge, Google is providing a free three-month subscription to Google Health Premium.